Beware of Wounded Animals
When you review the Nebraska-Kansas State match up on paper, it appears that the Huskers could likely have an upper hand. When you factor in the relative momentum of the two programs - NU rising, KSU struggling - it becomes even easier to possibly take Saturday's game for granted. At the same time, this season and recent history have demonstrated that anything can happen on any given Saturday. And, it is always wise to beware of a "wounded animals" like the Wildcats appear to be.
Stat Facts
Let's face it, statistically NU is superior to KSU in almost every way this year. Check for yourself, if you must. There is no denying that the KSU defense has struggled this year.
But, here's the stat that sort of jumps out at me - turnover margin. Kansas State and Nebraska are tied for the league worst in turnover margin. The turnover (takeaway!) battle is always a big X-factor in any game. That is one area where the Wildcats may try to get leverage in the game, especially if they can happen early.
Emotional Momentum
Right now, the Huskers are riding pretty high. They secured a bowl birth. Bo Pelini has handed out the Blackshirts and the coaches say the kids are practicing as well as they have all season. On the KSU side, things have gotten ugly. The coach has been fired. The fans have lost confidence in the team, and that has to affect player morale.
But, here are some other psychological facts to consider. One of NU's leaders - Cody Glenn - has been suspended. Does that affect NU's psyche some? For KSU, will the kids rally behind there embattled coach? Will the score of last year's lop-sided loss serve as motivation for the Cats. A wounded animal is very dangerous because they are fighting for their lives. Thankfully, it sounds like the NU coaches are preparing the players accordingly.
Pelini said yesterday after practice, "You're playing a desperate football team,'' Pelini said after practice. "We're going to get their best shot. I know that, the team knows that. You've got to approach it accordingly.''
Time for Some Consistency
In every endeavor, people strive to be excellent. But, it is not enough to be great once. You have to do it consistently. That typifies NU's growing pains this year. The Huskers have been erratic, at best. They win three games, and then lose three. They play great versus Texas Tech, and get wiped out by Oklahoma. They play horrible for a half, and try to roar back in the second. They have a dominant series, and then blow an assignment.
Frankly, I don't believe NU has demonstrated that fans should ever take any game for granted.
The key to Saturday's game for the Huskers is finally stringing solid performances together...one play, series, quarter and half at a time. The Husker coaches know they got their best 60 minutes from the team last week versus Kansas. The next step is doing it for another 60. The best way to handle the wounded animal of KSU is to come out and play at a high level, especially early in the game.
The Huskers should not give the Wildcat players any reason to hope and provide them with many reasons to quit.
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